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When it comes to printing, the market has significantly changed over the past so many years. Earlier printing books, brochures, broadsheets, newspapers and other printed material are carried out via white-glove process. But our hearty thanks to Johannes Gutenberg’s for giving birth to movable printing machines back in 1439. Since then the printing process has been revolutionized immensely and has been widely used all across Europe and America. The movable type of printing comes with the greater advantage of faster printing of books which in turn allowed people to get in tune with the worldly knowledge and education.

Due to incessant technological advancements and up-gradations, printing has come a long way. Books and other printable commodities can now be produced in bulk in a very short span of time while maintaining the quality of printing. There are now a wide range of printing processes publishers can choose from. Let’s go though some of the most popular printing methods used today.

Offset – The full name of this Printing process is offset lithography. Offset printing technology is the most commonly used printing technique on the market, appropriate and fast for printing on paper, cardboard, plastic and other flat materials. Offset is widely used for printing books, newspaper, brochures, broadsheets, stationery, packaging, etc.

Flexography – In flexography flexible (generally rubber) printing plate is used, which stretches the range of substrates that can be printed on. Material such as Plastics, metals, cellophane and other materials can be easily printed on. Flexo technology is generally used for packaging and labels and to a less widely for printing newspapers.

Digital printing – Digital printing is a recent developed technique where printing is done using digital image through a range of media.

Different variants of printing technologies such as inkjet and xerography are also referred to as digital printing. These are the newest processes and as such, they are gradually replacing other traditional processes. They also offer new opportunities such as variable data printing, in which each printed copy is entirely different from the previous one.

Screen printing – Screen printing is carried out by using a mesh to transfer ink onto a substrate, leaving the areas made impenetrable to the ink by a blocking stencil.

This printing technique can be done on a wide range of materials and the printing surface does not necessarily have to be perfectly flat. Printing t-shirts or glass surfaces or on wood are some of the examples.

Rotogravure – Also known as gravure, is a type of intaglio printing process, this is a technique in which an image is engraved onto a printing cylinder. That cylinder is inked like offset printing and flexography, it uses a rotary printing press. The ink engraved onto the cylinder is subsequently transfers to the paper. Gravure is used for high volume work such as newspapers, magazines, and packaging.

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While carrying out tasks on an offset printing unit, one needs to check a variety of things, starting from the condition of the machine, to the quality of raw materials, and much more. Here are just some of the pointers that will ensure that one achieves the best results:

Check roller settings

To start with, one needs to check the roller settings and ensure that they have been set as per the specifications listed out in the manual of the offset printing machines.

Proper ink and water balance

There are so many problems that may occur due to an improper ink and water balance. One needs to remember that increased water always triggers piling. Again, low water may also enhance piling, simply because it would encourage deposit of ink particles on the blanket. Hence, an optimum balance needs to be attained between the two factors. If one can carry this out successfully, one can surely avoid problems such as scumming, piling, and several others.

Gumming of plates

At times, the plates are extremely sensitive; hence, it is important to make sure that they are being gummed properly. It is a good idea to gum the plates, whenever the press is not being used for a considerable period of time.

Paper quality

Printing is carried out on all varieties of paper depending upon the requirements of the customer. However, there are some papers that are uncoated, which makes the press easily deliver up to a lakh of copies without causing the blanket to undergo piling. On the other hand, coated papers can produce build up on the blanket merely after the press has delivered 30,000 copies. This is primarily because coated paper cannot absorb water and ink, thus leaving them to pile up on the blanket. Further, use of abrasive paper may damage the plates.

Quality of Ink

Though ink is accountable for only 3% of the cost, but it contributes to almost 97% of the quality. It is for this reason that one should always make use of good offset printing ink. One needs to speak to the ink manufacturer to ascertain the water pickup value of the ink.

Those on the lookout to buy offset printing machines may contact Printoholic, an eminent dealer of printing equipment.

There are various aspects that go hand in hand in producing good quality printing on new & used offset printing machines. Ink is just one of these components. While working with offset printing ink, one may encounter a number of problems, such as high dot gain, piling, ghosting, scumming, doubling, slurring, non-gear streaks, and many more. Let’s have a look at some of these issues and their related solutions:

High Dot Gain

This may be caused by two reasons – low viscosity of ink or improper balance of ink & water. In the first case, one may opt for increasing the viscosity, which may render an improved quality. Alternatively, one may also go for a complete change of the ink. In the second case, it is advisable to run minimum water and the minimum ink for attaining the proper density. At times, owing to specific properties of the ink, it may not create a proper balance with water. Hence, one should ensure to take a certificate of analysis from the ink manufacturer and make a note of the values that may suggest its water pickup attributes. Of course, high dot gain may also occur as a result of improper pressure settings, chemistry, or even plates.

Piling

Poor ink and water balance is one of the major reasons behind piling on an offset printing press. To correct this, one may make use of anti piling agents that may be added to the fountain. One may also consider running the water just above the minimum level. Poor quality of the paper may also cause the occurrence of piling.

Low Ink Mileage

There may be several factors triggering this problem, such as high density of ink, rapid penetration into the paper, and low pigment strength. To avoid this scenario, one should ensure usage of quality ink and paper. Further, one needs to make sure to run only the required density and minimal amount of water.

Of course, there are several other problems that one may face in this aspect. Those in search of used offset printing machines in good condition may get in touch with Printoholic, the country’s largest dealer of printing equipment. Here’s a guide on Which One to Buy? Offset or Digital Machine from Importer of Printing Machine in Delhi.

For utmost precision and high-quality results, one may make use of new or used Bobst die-cutting machines.

Today’s label production industry makes use of the rotary die-cutting procedure. This is primarily because in comparison with the flat-bed process, the rotary method demands lesser pre-tension, ensuring that the material is processed seamlessly, and that too, at great speeds. Owing to high customer demands, label printers are always in a hurry to complete their jobs. This makes die-cutting a challenge for them. Further, it is also essential to produce flawless results. For all those who are involved in the rotary cutting process, here’s an insight on the 3 major drivers of achieving high quality results.

The material itself

If we look around, we will see a variety of self-adhesive labels being used day in and day out. These may range from personal care products, to medicine, food & drink items, retail, office stuff, logistics, and much more. These adhesives are basically multi-layered materials, having a printable face material, which is bonded with a siliconised backing material, by making use of an adhesive layer. The final die-cutting result will depend upon the thickness of this siliconised backing layer and the type of the material.

The cutting unit

To get optimum results, one needs to ensure that the cutting unit is in perfect condition. It should be free from contaminants and wear & tear. Further, the gap is of paramount importance here. The gap is defined as the distance between the magnetic and anvil cylinders. Then, the initial pressure (or the pre-tension) also plays an essential role in ensuring precision. The use of a pressure control system makes things easier, as it aids in evenly adjusting the pressure on both sides of the cylinder. One may install new or used Bobst die cutting machines for great results.

The cutting tool

Just like the unit, the tools should also be free from wear & tears and contaminants. Various tools are used depending upon the material, unit, and the application.